Mumbai, Jan 17 (IANS) The central government Saturday asked Maharashtra to speed up implementation of minority-related development schemes and utilise central funds allocated for them.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said education and skill development schemes must be prioritised for empowering the minorities.
He said the progress card of Maharashtra under various schemes ranged from 30-45 percent - nowhere crossing the halfway mark.
"The decision to release central funds often depends upon the utilisation rate of the previous grants. Maharashtra needs to look into this matter and speed up implementation rate. A state like Kerala has already utilised 100 percent funds and has the capacity to absorb more," he said.
Pointing out that education was the priority area for minority empowerment, the minister observed that in the plan to open 1,000 primary schools for minorities, Maharashtra has succeeded to only 38 percent extent.
Naqvi held wide ranging discussions on minorities related issues with Maharashtra's Minority Affairs Minister Eknath Khadse.
He also reviewed progress in implementation of various schemes in the state as part of a central review.
Underlining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thrust on skill development as one sure way to empower minority youth, he asked the state government to explore the possibility of entering into MoUs with corporate, industry and service institutions for supplying skilled manpower.
"No one likes to employ a raw hand. A skill development programme drawn as per the requirement of a client is a win-win situation for all," Naqvi said.
Assuring the central government's commitment to overall socio-economic development of minorities, he asked the Maharashtra government to propose innovative schemes and programmes to promote minority welfare for which funds would not be a problem.
Khadse told Naqvi that the BJP-Shiv Sena government took charge in the state only three months ago and was making all efforts to fast-track implementation of minority schemes with stress on education, especially for girls.
In order to promote education among girls in minority communities, he said the government was constructing around 15-16 girls hostels across the state.
Khadse sought a central grant of Rs.1 billion for the Maulana Azad Minorities Financial Development Corporation to provide financial assistance and subsidised loans to minorities.
He urged the central government to hike the value of merit scholarships for minority students from Rs.25,000 to Rs.35,000, bringing it on par with the scholarships granted to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes students.
Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman M. Hussain Khan, several minority community leaders and others also met Naqvi.
Is this decision of New Zealand an insult to Pakistan?
The New Zealand cricket team has decided to return home, canceling its tour of Pakistan due to se
International Mathematics Pi Day 2023: Today, March 14, is International Mathematics Day. Due to
CBSE Term-2 Exam: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is going to conduct the Class X
Indore. A 21-day lockdown continues across the country to prevent infection with coronaviruses. D
Jailer Box Office Collection: Superstar Rajinikanth of South Cinema continues to be famous all ov
Kolkata: Political mercury is on the verge of assembly elections in West Bengal. Now the fourth p
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a public rally in Muzaffarpur that the large turnout indicat
Women Reservation Bill 2023: The Women Reservation Bill will be discussed in the Lok Sabha on Wed
This great phone from Redmi is getting huge discounts, compete with Honor 9A
In the new year, Xiaomi is giving gifts to its customers. The company is offering discounts on it
Modi attacks AAP over donations (Lead)
New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday hit out at the AAP on the issue of
